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Local files
Use the app to play music files stored on your device, which we call local files.
Note: Files or downloads from illegal sources are not permitted.
For: Premium
- Import your local files with the "Desktop" steps.
- Add the files to a playlist.
- Log in on your mobile or tablet using the same WiFi as your desktop.
- Go to Settings
> Local Files and switch on Enable sync from desktop.
Note: You need to allow Spotify to find devices in the prompt that shows. - Download the playlist with your local files.
Didn’t work?
Make sure:
- You're logged in to the same account on both your desktop and mobile
- Your devices are connected to the same WiFi network
- The app is up-to-date on both devices
- Your device is up-to-date
- The Spotify app has access to your local network. Check in your iPhone/iPad settings under Spotify.
For: Premium
- Import your local files with the "Desktop" steps.
- Add the files to a playlist.
- Log in on your mobile or tablet using the same WiFi as your desktop.
- Download the playlist with your local files.
Didn’t work?
Make sure:
- You're logged in to the same account on both your desktop and mobile
- Your devices are connected to the same WiFi network
- The app is up-to-date on both devices
- Your device is up-to-date
- Click
in the top-right and select Settings. - Scroll to Local Files and switch Show Local Files on.
- Switch off any sources you don't want.
- Click ADD A SOURCE to select another folder.
Music from that folder is now in Local Files in the menu on the left.
Supported file types
Note: Some of your files may be protected in restricted formats. Install QuickTime on your computer to allow most of these tracks to be played on Spotify.
- .mp3
- .m4p (unless it contains video)
- .mp4 (if QuickTime is installed on your computer)
The iTunes lossless format (M4A) is not supported.
If your file isn’t supported, we do our best to match it with songs from the Spotify catalog. The version we match with might differ from the original.
Last updated: 13 April, 2021
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Community Answers
What's the easiest way to be able to play "local files" that reside on my desktop device on my mobile? After bringing them in to the desktop Spotify client as a playlist I'm able to play them there, a...
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